Lanikai Beach, located in Kaʻōhao, Kailua, on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii, is a highly sought-after tourist destination known for its idyllic white sand and aqua blue waters. The name “Lanikai” was invented in the 1920s by developer Charles Frazier, who owned 300 acres of beachfront property in the area known to Native Hawaiians as Kaʻōhao.
Location and Origin of the Name
Lanikai Beach is situated at the coordinates 21°23′32.00″N 157°42′54.00″W. The name “Lanikai” was not derived from the Hawaiian language, as one might assume, but was instead invented by Charles Frazier in the 1920s when he was developing the area. Prior to this, the area was known to Native Hawaiians as Kaʻōhao.
Beach Characteristics
Lanikai Beach is renowned for its soft, powdery, clean white sand and aqua blue waters. The water temperature in this area typically ranges from 75–80 °F (24–26 °C), making it a comfortable and inviting destination for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
Accessibility and Parking
Lanikai Beach is accessible to the public through various beach access paths, but there is no public parking lot. Visitors must park in the legal parking areas in downtown Kailua, and parking violations are strictly enforced, with fines up to $200.
Popularity and Attractions
Lanikai Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, and it is a popular destination for photo shoots, snorkeling, and watching the moonrise over the Nā Mokulua islands. The beach can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and during vacation seasons, but it is generally less crowded on weekdays.
Visual Resources
There are numerous visual resources available for Lanikai Beach, including stock photos on iStock (with over 1,370 images) and Adobe Stock (with thousands of stock images, vectors, and videos). Additionally, a 3D window wallpaper of Lanikai Beach is available on Amazon for $38.99.
References
- https://www.istockphoto.com/ro/fotografii/lanikai-beach-oahu
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanikai_Beach
- https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=lanikai
Lanikai Beach is a truly stunning and iconic destination in Hawaii, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the islands. Whether you’re looking to relax on the soft white sand, explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling, or capture the breathtaking views, Lanikai Beach is a must-visit for any beach enthusiast.